Saint Mary’s University professor Victor Catano was honoured with the Donald C. Savage Award for his achievements in collective bargaining.

Vic, who for almost four decades has been equally active at the local, regional and national levels in championing the cause of collective bargaining in the academic sector, received the award at the CAUT Council’s April meeting in Ottawa.

“Vic’s roles and contributions are so varied and all encompassing that it is hard to choose what to focus upon,” said Doug Lorimer, chair of CAUT’s Collective Bargaining and Economic Benefits Committee which administers the award.

“From transforming the post-secondary bargaining landscape to putting his stamp on the first union-run benefits trust in Canada’s academic sector, Vic’s enormous commitment and energy in the advocacy arena are exemplary.”

Vic joined Saint Mary’s in 1972 and three years later was elected chair of the faculty union negotiating team. He has been continually active since then serving multiple terms as local union president and as a member of the negotiating team, often as chief negotiator, and serving as president and on committees of the Nova Scotia Confederation of University Faculty Associations. Over the past two decades, he has served CAUT in various capacities, including as president and as chair of several committees.

“Vic is the most experienced collective bargainer in the academic sector,” Lorimer said. “His record of service has been remarkable and it’s fair to say every local has benefitted in some way by his contributions to bargaining. CAUT is extremely pleased to honour Vic for his accomplishments as well as his service in the academic community.”

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The Donald C. Savage Award was established in honour of a retired CAUT staff member who excelled in the area of collective bargaining and protection of members.